Roman History and Epic Literature Review

Flashcards covering the transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire, the Punic Wars, key historical figures, and the major themes and plot points of Virgil's Aeneid.

Punic Wars

A series of three major geopolitical conflicts between Rome (a continental power) and Carthage (a maritime power) fought between $264$ and $146$ B.C.

Corvi

Boarding bridges introduced by Rome during the First Punic War to allow their soldiers to board Carthaginian ships, turning sea battles into land-like fights.

Battle of Cannae

A terrible defeat for Rome in $216$ B.C. during the Second Punic War at the hands of the Carthaginian general Hannibal.

Battle of Zama

The decisive victory in $202$ B.C. where the Roman leader Scipio Africanus defeated Hannibal in Africa, ending the Second Punic War.

Mixed Constitution

Rome's institutional balance involving three groups: Consuls (monarchy), the Senate (aristocracy/rich nobles), and Assemblies (democracy/regular people).

Latifundia

Huge estates created by wealthy Romans and worked by millions of slaves, which led to small farmers losing their land.

The Gracchi

Two brothers, Tiberio and Caio, who attempted agrarian reforms to redistribute land to the poor but were murdered by the Senate.

Optimates vs. Populares

A split in the Roman ruling class between conservatives (Optimates, led by Silla) and reformers (Populares, led by Mario).

Mario's Reform

A military reform that opened the army to poor soldiers (proletarians), who became loyal to their specific general rather than to the Roman state.

Social War ($91-88$ B.C.)

A rebellion by Rome's Italian allies that forced the state to grant them Roman citizenship.

Proscriptions (Liste di proscrizione)

Death lists issued by Silla during his dictatorship to eliminate political enemies and restore the power of the Senate.

First Triumvirate

A secret private agreement in $60$ B.C. between Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus, the three most powerful men in Rome.

Alesia ($52$ B.C.)

The location where Julius Caesar defeated the Gallic tribes led by Vercingetorix, gaining massive glory and wealth.

Crossing the Rubicon

The event in $49$ B.C. where Caesar invaded Italy, leading to a civil war against Pompey and his eventual appointment as dictator for life.

Ides of March ($44$ B.C.)

The date Julius Caesar was assassinated by a conspiracy of senators led by Brutus and Cassius.

Second Triumvirate

An official magistracy formed by Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus to avenge Caesar's death.

Battle of Actium ($31$ B.C.)

A naval battle where Octavian defeated the fleet of Antony and Cleopatra, ending the Roman Republic.

Augustus

A sacred title received by Octavian from the Senate in $27$ B.C., marking the official start of the Roman Empire.

Pliny the Elder

A Roman scientist, officer, and official who wrote the "Naturalis Historia" and died in $79$ A.D. while attempting to rescue people during the Vesuvius eruption.

Naturalis Historia

A monumental $37$-volume scientific encyclopedia written by Pliny the Elder.

Silver Drain

The economic concern regarding the massive loss of Roman gold and silver to India and China to pay for luxury goods like silk.

Silent Globalisation

The ancient process of trade via caravans and merchants that connected distant cultures (Europe, India, China) and changed habits without instant communication.

The Aeneid

An epic poem written by Virgil at the request of Augustus to glorify the birth of the Empire by connecting his lineage to Aeneas and the goddess Venus.

Pietas

A modern hero's characteristic involving absolute devotion and duty toward the gods, fatherland, and family, exemplified by Aeneas.

Pyrrhus

The cruel and impious son of Achilles who brutally murdered King Priam at a sacred altar during the fall of Troy.

Dido's Maxim

"Non ignara mali, miseris succurrere disco," meaning personal experience of suffering teaches one to help others who are unhappy.

Balteo

The stolen belt of Pallas that Aeneas sees on Turnus's shoulder, triggering the rage that leads to Turnus's death.

Parcere subiectis

The Roman principle of sparing the defeated, which Aeneas violates at the end of the Aeneid when he kills the surrendering Turnus.